2003 DODGE RAM wheel

EXTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
BODY ISOLATORS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................37
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
CARGO BOX - TIE DOWN
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
REAR WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................44
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL
NOTE: Body side moldings are attached to the body
panels with adhesive tape.
(1) Apply a length of masking tape on the body
panel, parallel to the top edge of the molding and to
one end to use as a guide for installation, if neces-
sary.
(2) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
molding with a heat lamp or gun. Do not exceed 52ÉC
(120ÉF) when heating molding.
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove and discard the molding from the outside of
the body panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean all residue from the body side
molding attachment area of the body panel.(2) Wipe area with a clean lint free cloth moist-
ened with a 50% solution of water and alcohol and
wipe dry immediately with a dry lint free cloth.
(3) Apply new body side molding using the guide
tape on the body panel and apply consistent and uni-
form pressure of approximately 40 p.s.i. over the
entire surface of the molding.
BODY ISOLATORS
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen all cab to frame mounting bolts (six
standard cab, eight quad cab). (Fig. 1)
(2) Remove the mounting bolts and rebound cush-
ions
(3) Using a floor jack and block of wood under the
cab sill, lift the body to gain access to the isolators.
(4) Remove the isolators.
(5) Install new isolators and repeat steps one
through 4, for the opposite side.
23 - 36 EXTERIORDR

FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the antenna, if equipped. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA BODY & CABLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the battery tray, if required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the inside and lower bolts. (Fig. 6)
(7) Remove the two bolts below the headlamp.
(8) Remove the hinge support bolt at the cowl.
(9) Remove the three bolts along the fender rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the three bolts along the upper fender
rail and tighten to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the upper hinge support bolt at the cowl
and tighten to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the two bolts below the headlamp and
tighten to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the inside and lower bolts and tighten
to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(5) Check the fender positioning and adjust as
required by adding shims. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(6) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the battery tray, if required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the antenna, if required. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA BODY & CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Open fill door and remove the bolts. (Fig. 7)
(2) Remove the door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fuel fill door.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 9 N´m (80 in.
lbs.).
GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open the hood.
(2) Remove the six lower screws. (Fig. 8)
(3) Remove the six upper nuts and separate the
grille from the grille frame.
Fig. 6 FRONT FENDER
1 - HOOD HINGE SUPPORT BOLT (1)
2 - HOOD HINGE
3 - INNER BOLT (1)
4 - FRONT BOLTS (2)
5 - LOWER BOLT INSERT
6 - FENDER
7 - UPPER BOLTS (3)Fig. 7 FUEL FILL DOOR
1 - FUEL FILL DOOR
2 - BOLTS (2)
DREXTERIOR 23 - 39

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the grille onto the grille frame.
(2) Install the six upper nuts.
(3) Install the six lower screws.
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the screws and remove the grille
frame. (Fig. 9)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the grille frame and install the six
screws.
(2) Install the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the three screws at the fender. (Fig.
10)(2) Remove the electrical connector push pin fas-
tener.
(3) Remove the five inside screws and remove the
splash shield.
Fig. 8 GRILLE
1 - NUTS (6)
2 - HOOD
3 - GRILLE
4 - GRILLE FRAME
5 - SCREWS (6)
Fig. 9 GRILLE FRAME
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
3 - SCREWS (6)
Fig. 10 FRONT SPLASH SHIELD
1 - FENDER RAIL
2 - FENDER
3 - SCREWS (8)
4 - WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
23 - 40 EXTERIORDR
GRILLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the splash shield and position the front
edge into the support bracket on the bumper.
(2) Install the five inner screws.
(3) Install the three screws at the fender.
(4) Install the electrical connector push pin fas-
tener.
REAR WHEELHOUSE SPLASH
SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws and remove the shield. (Fig.
11 )
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the splash shield and install the screws.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector and remove
the nuts. (Fig. 12)
(3) Squeeze the electrical connector tabs and
remove the mirror. (Fig. 13)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the mirror onto the door and engage the
electrical connector tabs. (Fig. 13)
(2) Install the nuts and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in.
lbs.).(3) Install the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 11 REAR SPLASH SHIELD
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - SCREWS (3)
3 - SPLASH SHIELD
Fig. 12 SIDE VIEW MIRROR
1 - MIRROR
2 - NUTS (3)
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 13 MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
1 - DOOR
2 - MIRROR STUDS
3 - CONNECTOR TABS
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
DREXTERIOR 23 - 41
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD (Continued)

INSTALLATION
Standard Mirror
(1) Connect the two heated mirror electrical con-
nectors, if equipped. (Fig. 21)
(2) Position the mirror glass mounting holes over
the four feet of the mirror motor and slide down.
(Fig. 22)
(3) Engage the lower glass retaining tab to the
motor. (Fig. 18)
(4) Position the rear housing cover and seat the
retaining tabs fully. (Fig. 17)
Tow Package Mirror
(1) Make sure the retaining clip is seated in the
closed position on the mirror glass.
(2) Connect the heated mirror electrical connec-
tors, if equipped.
NOTE: Pressure must be applied equally over the
center portion of the mirror to engage the mirror
glass retaining clip fully.
(3) Position the glass over the motor mounting and
seat fully. Make sure the retaining clip seats fully.
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the wheel house splash shield. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the marker lamps electrical connec-
tors.
(3) Remove the tail lamp units. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
TAIL LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the two fender nuts. (Fig. 23)
(5) Remove the rear inner nuts below the tail
lamp. (Fig. 24)
(6) Remove the two bolts at the rear bottom edge.
(7) Remove the two bolts at the front bottom edge.
(8) Remove the four inner nuts front edge. (Fig.
25)
(9) Loosen bolts and loosen the two fender support
brackets. (Fig. 26)
CAUTION: Mask off the surrounding box area to
avoid damage to the painted surfaces.
(10) Lift the fender up off the support brackets
and remove the fender.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Mask off the surrounding box area to
avoid damage to the painted surfaces during instal-
lation.
(1) Carefully position the fender over the support
brackets.
(2) Install the four inner nuts along the front edge
of the fender and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the two inner nuts along the rear edge
of the fender below the tail lamp unit and tighten to
7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Tighten the six support bracket bolts and
tighten to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 21 STANDARD MIRROR INSTALLATION
1 - MIRROR GLASS
2 - UPPER AND LOWER RETAINING CLIPS
3 - HEATED MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF
EQUIPPED)
4 - MIRROR GLASS MOUNTING HOLES (4)
Fig. 22 STANDARD MIRROR ASSEMBLY
1 - HEATED MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF
EQUIPPED)
2 - MIRROR HOUSING
3 - HOUSING COVER LOCKING TABS
4 - MIRROR GLASS MOUNTING FEET (4)
23 - 44 EXTERIORDR
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS (Continued)

(5) Install the bolts along lower edge of the fender
and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(6) Connect the marker lamps electrical connec-
tors.
(7) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install the two nuts from within the tail lamp
opening and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(9) Install the tail lamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 23 TAIL LAMP OPENING
1 - TAIL LAMP OPENING
2 - FENDER NUTS (2)
Fig. 24 LOWER REAR FASTENERS
1 - REAR FENDER NUTS (2)
2 - PICK-UP BOX INNER PANEL
Fig. 25 LOWER FRONT FASTENERS
1 - PICK-UP BOX INNER PANEL
2 - FRONT FENDER NUTS (4)
Fig. 26 SUPPORT BRACKET
1 - FENDER SUPPORT BRACKET (2)
2 - PICK-UP BOX
3 - BOLTS (3 PER BRACKET)
DREXTERIOR 23 - 45
REAR FENDER (Continued)

HOOD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
HOOD
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47LATCH RELEASE CABLE/HANDLE ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
LATCH STRIKER / SECONDARY CATCH
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................48
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................49
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the hood to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Remove the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the hinge on the hood.
(3) Remove the fender support bolt. (Fig. 1)
(4) Remove the support cylinder. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/HOOD/SUPPORT CYLINDER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the hood nuts.
(6) Remove the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(7) From inside the fender, remove the two hinge
bolts. (Fig. 2)
(8) Slide the hinge forward and remove from the
fender rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hinge and slide back into position
on the fender rail.
(2) From inside the fender, install the two hinge
bolts and tighten to 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hood nuts and line up the marks
made previously.
(4) Tighten the nuts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the support cylinder. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/HOOD/SUPPORT CYLINDER - INSTALLA-
TION)(6) Install the fender support bolt and tighten to
11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
(7) Check hood fit and adjust if required. (Refer to
23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH -
SPECIFICATIONS)
(8) Install the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 1 HINGE/FENDER BOLT
1 - FENDER
2 - FENDER SUPPORT BOLT
3 - HINGE
23 - 46 HOODDR

INSTRUMENT PANEL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL.............................51
INSTALLATION.........................52
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL.............................52
INSTALLATION.........................52
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL.............................53
INSTALLATION.........................53
GLOVE BOX LATCH
REMOVAL.............................53
INSTALLATION.........................53
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL.............................53
INSTALLATION.........................56
INSTRUMENT PANEL HEADLAMP SWITCH
BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................57INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................58
INSTALLATION.........................58
INSTRUMENT PANEL DRIVER SIDE BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................58
INSTALLATION.........................59
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL.............................59
INSTALLATION.........................60
INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SURROUND
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................61
STEERING COLUMN OPENING SUPPORT
BRACKET
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................62
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL.............................62
INSTALLATION.........................62
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the headlamp switch bezel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL SWITCH BEZEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the center bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL)(3) Remove the two top screws. (Fig. 1)
(4) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, sepa-
rate the two lower clips.
(5) Disengage the two top attachment bosses and
remove the bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the cluster bezel over the cluster and
seat the outer bosses over the posts on the left and
right sides.
23 - 50 INSTRUMENT PANELDR